I have been unhappy with how difficult the zippers are to use on older LowePro backpacks such as the Nature Trekker AW II. Other than the question about the zipper, it looks like what I am looking for.

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Wass

I also highly recommend F-Stop. I was looking for exactly the same thing as you. I've been through several backpacks trying to find a good hiking photo pack, most recently a Dakine Quest. But I just got an F-Stop Loka and it is perfect.

I have a medium ICU, which perfectly holds my 7D, 17-55, 70-200, and 10-22, with the hoods. My Gitzo 1542 tripod also fits perfectly on the outside. I put it in on the side using the pocket and straps, but it could also go on the front using the straps.

Inside I was also able to fit my 1L camelback water bladder, paclite waterproof pants and jacket shell, gloves, GPS, flashlight, leatherman, and a little bit of food (two PB&J sandwiches in a plastic case and a few cliff bars). The bag was the perfect size for all of this and was pretty full. If you needed to hold more gear or food, definitely go for the Tilopa or Sartori.

The bags are really, really well made and comfortable. And the flexibility of the system is awesome. Plus they're really good looking packs, unlike mst photo packs.

As for getting a backpack with a really effective carrying system that will keep you from sweating effectively I can recommend Jack Wolfskin's ACS Photopack. That one is really good, reasonably lightweight, but allows to carry quite a lot of equipment (it should be sufficient for the requirements of the original poster) and the carrying system is the same as on specialized trekking backpacks. I have used one of those for many years until it began to show signs of wear and tear, which takes an awful lot of use, so I have bought a second one.

I have been unhappy with how difficult the zippers are to use on older LowePro backpacks such as the Nature Trekker AW II. Other than the question about the zipper, it looks like what I am looking for.

All zippers but those of the main compartment can be smoothly un/-zipped. The main compartment zippers are protected by some black rubber coating which probably makes them water resistant but it takes some time until they can be un/-zipped smoothly as well since some excess rubber needs to go off first. They will be fine after approx. 20 zipper movements or so.

It looks like they now make 'shallow' and 'pro' depth ICU's. I'm guessing the 'pro' is the original depth.

Yes, the difference is that the pro ICU's are designed to take pro (i.e. gripped) bodies whereas the shallow ICU's are intended to take up prosumer (i.e. not gripped) bodies. (see http://fstopgear.com/en/product/mountain/icu)

On a cautionary note, I've had a few Crumpler bags from when I was more of an urban commuter type that wanted a space for a laptop and small camera kit. I loved the designs of these as they were really stylish and you could wear them out around town and not look like you were about to go trekking through a forest.

However, the brand seems terrible at doing things like having external loops for slinging tripods or tucking in a water bottle, and just as bad for internal pockets for batteries and memory cards. My first one - a Pretty Boy - also had no ability to tighten the straps to pull the weight closer to your back. Both bags are tough to get into fast.

This is a real shame as the bags as well as looking great are actually very tough and weatherproof (I hiked up Mt Kinabalu in pouring rain and they kept everything really dry). The material can also be slung onto a rain forest floor and just brush clean.

So, on Crumpler, have a look as they could have improved in the past two years, but do take care when choosing that they actually deliver on the practicalities - little details are letting down what could be a great brand for outdoorsy types as well as city slickers.

Inside: 44650 cm3The F-Stop is more flexible, but nearly twice expensive if you buy some different ICUs.

I´m no Huber brother, whos climbs up the mountains like an Chamois. For me, it is more comfortably to carry an bag, that nestles your body. So the center of gravity stays nearer to your body, whats better for my back

ss396

F-Stop seems to be a good choice. Looks good.I´m interested in the Satori Exp. If you take a smaller ICU inlay, thats smaller than the opening on the carrying side, does it cover the things you carry within the bag? Or is it open, so that the things outside of the ICU can be seen? And how is the air circulation on the back and the carrying comfort?

F-Stop seems to be a good choice. Looks good.I´m interested in the Satori Exp. If you take a smaller ICU inlay, thats smaller than the opening on the carrying side, does it cover the things you carry within the bag? Or is it open, so that the things outside of the ICU can be seen? And how is the air circulation on the back and the carrying comfort?

Much thanks

I have been looking at the Loka.... What ICUs do you use?

I´m sorry, if my posting was misunderstood. I´m looking for the Satori or an equal backpack. I´m unsing an Tamrac Expedition 8 and the Tamrac Adventure 10. And für the adventure 10 I´m looking for an alternative backpack